Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Main Training Centre in Hwange over the weekend played host to a thrilling doubleheader in Week Five of the Matabeleland North Basketball League programme.
The Victoria Falls Panthers showed flashes of brilliance with an 81-41 dismantling of the Hwange Titans, but their dominant performance fell just shy of propelling them to the top of the table.
Suns solidified their spot at the summit with an emphatic second-half surge to overpower the Royal Eagles 64-35.
The Panthers came into their game against the Titans knowing they needed to win by 54 points to unseat the Suns at the top of the standings.
Despite a commanding victory, the margin wasn’t enough, leaving Panthers still chasing the leaders.
With four key players —Givemore Zhanero, Emmanuel Chitinhe, Daniel Ndlovu and Sean Mavhangire — out of action, the Panthers leaned heavily on their depth. Zambian sensation Daros Mushitu stepped up to lead the charge, delivering a sensational 27 points, six rebounds and seven assists.
Mushitu’s passes and electrifying drives to the hoop left the Titans scrambling in his wake.
Veteran Cleopas Chitura had a quiet game by his lofty standards, while captain-for-the-day Tadiwa Kunaka struggled to impose himself on the game.
However, young talents filled the void.
Coen Ncube, just 15 years old, put on a defensive masterclass with seven steals and mature playmaking that belied his age.
Solomon Ncube rose to the occasion, nailing a stunning three-pointer to close out the game, while newcomer Mark Fati made his debut, offering a glimpse of the Panthers’ promising future.
Kunaka praised the team’s resilience but acknowledged there’s room for improvement.
“Teamwork is everything for us. We all fight for the jersey and that’s what keeps us going. To get to the top, though, we have to increase our physicality, work on our set plays and keep investing in our young players,” said Kunaka.
